Michigan House Bill HR0071

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/23
• Refer: 4/12/23

Caption

A resolution to urge the Department of Natural Resources to deny the Michigan National Guard’s request to expand the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center.

Impact

The proposed expansion brings significant implications for state laws and environmental policies. The DNR, which aims to protect and conserve Michigan's natural resources, faces a conflict between military interests and ecological protection. The expansion area is set to encroach upon critical habitats, including that of the Kirtland's Warbler and significant wetland areas like the Dead Stream Swamp. This move has raised alarms regarding the potential degradation of these ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and local recreation activities.

Summary

House Resolution 71 urges the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to deny the Michigan National Guard's request for a substantial expansion of the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. Currently, Camp Grayling spans 148,000 acres, making it the largest National Guard training area in the country. The National Guard has proposed to expand the facility by an additional 162,000 acres, effectively more than doubling its size. This expansion is met with fierce opposition from the residents of Michigan, who have expressed their concerns through public comments during the DNR's consideration of the proposal.

Contention

Opponents of the expansion argue that it contradicts the DNR's mission of safeguarding natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation. They highlight the risks of pollution, including the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the area, which could compound existing environmental challenges. Local voices, including environmental groups and concerned citizens, assert that expanding military activities would further threaten the integrity of lakes, streams, and habitats that Michiganders hold dear. The resolution reflects a grassroots movement urging the DNR to heed public concerns and act in alignment with the values and welfare of the local community.